Georgy Zakrevsky, the leader of the Paladin Private Military Company (PMC), has openly called for a coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing the ongoing military failures in Ukraine and deepening social and economic crises within Russia. Zakrevsky's explosive video message, which has circulated widely among Russian military circles, is being viewed as one of the most significant threats to Putin's leadership since the Wagner Group's failed mutiny last year.
Zakrevsky, who leads a militia group with a history of engagements in global conflicts including Syria and Africa, did not hold back in his criticism of Putin. He accused the Russian president of being directly responsible for the setbacks in Ukraine and for the broader deterioration of Russia's internal stability. "Our country is not just on the brink of disaster; it is already in big trouble," Zakrevsky declared in the video. He emphasized the increasing threats to Russian security, pointing out that drones have been able to penetrate as far as Moscow and St. Petersburg, even striking the Kremlin itself.
The Paladin PMC leader also highlighted the diminishing power of Russia's military, particularly its Black Sea fleet, which he described as being "pushed out as if we are not a great power with a great fleet, but some third-rate country." Zakrevsky's criticism extended to Russia's air force, which he claimed is barely operational due to the relentless pressure from Ukrainian forces. "We are standing in the same positions that we took more than two years ago, and partly in those to which we retreated," he lamented.
Beyond the military failings, Zakrevsky painted a grim picture of the domestic situation in Russia. He spoke of a population "dying out, becoming impoverished, drinking itself to death," while accusing the government of neglecting its citizens and instead focusing on bringing in migrants. "And all this was done by the so-called 'president'-'The Great' Putin," he added with biting sarcasm.
This direct challenge to Putin's authority comes at a time when the Russian military is facing significant setbacks on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces have made substantial gains, reclaiming approximately 800 square miles of territory from Russian control in recent weeks. These losses have not only exposed the weaknesses of Russia's military strategy but have also raised questions about Putin's ability to maintain his grip on power.
The call for a coup is particularly alarming given the recent history of unrest within Russia's military ranks. Last June, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, launched a rapid march towards Moscow in a rebellion that shook the Kremlin. Though Prigozhin ultimately called off the mutiny, his actions exposed the deep fissures within the Russian military and political establishment. Prigozhin's subsequent death in a plane crash just two months later remains shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation about the lengths to which Putin might go to quash dissent.
Zakrevsky's appeal for military action against Putin underscores the growing discontent within Russia's armed forces. His rhetoric suggests that the frustration with Putin's leadership is not limited to isolated figures but is perhaps more widespread than previously understood. The video, which has been shared extensively among military personnel, indicates a potential shift in sentiment that could have serious implications for the Kremlin.
The situation in Ukraine, where Russian forces have struggled to maintain control despite early advances, has severely undermined Putin's standing both domestically and internationally. The Kremlin's inability to achieve a decisive victory has emboldened critics like Zakrevsky, who see Putin's leadership as a liability.
As the conflict drags on and Russia's economic and social conditions continue to deteriorate, the question remains whether Zakrevsky's call to action will gain traction among other military leaders and the broader public. For now, the video stands as a stark reminder of the internal challenges facing Putin as he navigates one of the most difficult periods of his presidency.
The potential for a coup, once unthinkable, is now a topic of serious concern within and beyond Russia's borders. The world watches closely as the situation develops, knowing that the stability of the region-and possibly the world-hangs in the balance.
